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2018 Citroen C3 1.2L Petrol · L123 BYJ

L123 BYJ

2018 Citroen C3 (1.2L, petrol). First registered 01 May 2018. Recorded mileage 123,554 miles. MOT valid until 14 May 2027. Taxed until 01 May 2027.

Make & Model
CITROEN C3
Year / Origin
2018 · Stanmore (Wimbledon)
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Valid until 14 May 2027
Road Tax
Taxed (01 May 2027)
Recorded Mileage
123,554 mi
ULEZ Compliance
ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
Fuel & Engine
PETROL · 1.2L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 14 May 2027
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01 May 2027
Fuel Type
PETROL
Year
2018
Engine
1200cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

A history of recurring remedial attention defines this vehicle's roadworthiness, punctuated by structural and consumable failures across its life before securing a pass on 2026-05-08. The record reveals a pattern of brake fluctuations, suspension wear, and lighting faults that frequently required intervention during annual inspections. While the most recent test concluded successfully following the rectification of a major wheel bearing defect and a minor stop lamp failure, the overarching trend shows a consistent requirement for maintenance to keep the car compliant, rather than an unblemished mechanical record. With 123,554 miles accumulated across its eight years of use, this Citroen averages roughly 15,444 miles annually, representing an exceptionally heavy mileage profile. This intensive operational tempo means high-wear components have been subjected to continuous service demands at an above-average rate. The consistent testing timeline indicates the vehicle has remained in active, regular use without any suspicious multi-year gaps, though the high odometer reading directly correlates with the frequency of suspension and braking advisories logged in previous years. Prospective buyers must pay close attention to the front suspension and braking systems during an inspection, given the history of worn front suspension arm bushes, uneven tyre wear, and an earlier failure involving excessive service brake fluctuation. On the test drive, listen carefully for dull knocks, clunks, or rattles when navigating potholes or speed bumps, which would indicate that those previously flagged suspension bushes have deteriorated further and require replacement. Additionally, apply the brakes firmly from moderate speeds to check for any pedal judder, vibration, or pulling to one side that might suggest warped discs or binding calipers. Further scrutiny should be directed toward the rear axle and electrical items that have surfaced during recent tests. Verify that the offside rear wheel bearing replacement was completed satisfactorily by checking for any humming or rumbling noises emanating from the rear at cruising speeds. Finally, inspect the rear lighting cluster functionality, including the central stop lamp that was noted for partial failure, and closely examine the rear tyres for the perishing and uneven wear patterns that were previously flagged by inspectors.
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L123 BYJ Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 08/05/2026
  • 123,554 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 1 historical MOT failure
  • No defects recorded at the latest MOT
  • Recurring suspension items (2 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

L123 BYJ MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 5 Oct 2026, 06:46
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2018 Citroen C3 (L123 BYJ) between May 2023 and May 2026.

The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.

The most recent test on 08 May 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (2 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 3 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.

Recorded failure items include: “Offside Rear Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

L123 BYJ Mileage History

  1. 06/05/202383,745 mi
  2. 11/05/2024103,770 mi+20,025 mi
  3. 29/04/2025113,963 mi+10,193 mi
  4. 08/05/2026123,554 mi+9,591 mi
  5. 08/05/2026123,554 mi

Average of roughly 13,241 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

ULEZ Compliant

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Reliability & Known Issues

Known faults for Citroën Citroën C3 (Mk3)

Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.

MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
88
/ 100 · Good
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Good

This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.

Valid MOT
Taxed
Good MOT pass rate (80%)
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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

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EXPORTED MARKER

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SCRAPPED RECORD

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
58/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£1,100-£1,400
Mileage
At 123,554 miles, this vehicle's mileage...

Our Verdict

Proceed with caution due to high mileage

When inspecting this specific 1.2L petrol C3, focus heavily on the underside and suspension. The MOT history shows a history of worn suspension arm bushes (2023) and a recent offside rear wheel bearing failure (2026). Ensure these specific repairs were carried out with quality parts and not just a temporary fix.

Ask the seller for evidence of recent maintenance regarding the braking and lighting systems. Given that the central stop lamp has appeared as a failure in two separate MOT tests (2025 and 2026), you should verify that the bulb/unit is fully functional and that there are no underlying electrical issues in the rear light cluster. Finally, check the tyre condition closely, as the 2025 MOT noted uneven wear and perishing on the offside rear tyre.

The 1200cc petrol engine is generally positioned in a lower insurance group and tax band, making it relatively economical for urban driving. Fuel economy should be decent for a small hatchback, though high mileage may impact long-term component efficiency.

Maintenance costs for this vehicle may be higher than average due to the frequency of suspension and bearing-related MOT failures. Expect to budget more frequently for consumables like tyres, brake components, and suspension bushings. An estimated annual running cost of £1,100-£1,400 should account for fuel, tax, insurance, and the likely need for mid-range mechanical repairs.

A priority inspection point for this vehicle is the rear axle and wheel assembly. The May 2026 failure specifically cited excessive play in the offside rear wheel bearing; you should check for any humming or grinding noises from the rear when test driving. Additionally, re-examine the front suspension, as the 2023 MOT recorded worn bushes on both the nearside and offside front arms.

Secondly, check the electrical integrity of the rear lighting. Because the central stop lamp has failed multiple times, inspect the rear light housing for moisture ingress or loose connections. Lastly, given the high mileage of 123,554, inspect the engine bay for any signs of oil leaks and check the service history for evidence of timing belt changes, which are critical for this engine size at this mileage.

This 2018 silver Citroen C3 has covered 123,554 miles in approximately eight years, which is significantly higher than the UK average for its age. The MOT history shows a pattern of failures related to lighting and suspension components, including a recent wheel bearing failure in May 2026. While it passed its latest test with no defects, the high mileage and history of advisories require careful scrutiny.

No aggregate reliability data is available for this specific Citroen C3 model to provide a comparative benchmark.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.

Data Sources

DVSA

Official MOT test logs & failure reasons

DVLA

Tax, registration & powertrain specs

Experian

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AI Analysis

Historical fault & advisory patterns

Vehicle & Plate History

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